How much does Lyme disease treatment cost for dogs?

Average Cost of Treatment

A 2-week dose of Doxycycline or Amoxicillin can cost about $400 in some areas. Blood tests typically cost around $80, depending mainly on the methods used. As a dog owner, you also have to pay the vet exam fee, which ranges from $40 to $50 and isn’t covered by pet insurance.

Lyme disease treatment can be really expensive. Depending on where you live, the veterinary examination fee, which ranges from $40 to $100, must be paid. In addition, blood tests usually run about $80.

Symptoms Of Lyme Disease In Dogs

The symptoms of Lyme disease typically take a few months (or longer) to manifest. Depending on the circumstances, your dog may exhibit symptoms of any one of the three states of Lyme disease or progress to another.

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms suddenly, you should contact your veterinarian right away.

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Anorexia
  • Acute arthritis in one or more joints
  • Shifting lameness from one leg to another
  • Swollen joints that may be warm to the touch
  • Persistent lameness
  • Inflammatory changes in the joints
  • Arthritis
  • Cardiac issues (e.g., arrhythmias)
  • Neurological signs
  • Arthritis
  • Kidney damage
  • Rarely, kidney damage can progress to Lyme nephritis, a potentially fatal condition.

  • Anorexia
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Muscle wasting
  • Lethargy
  • Bad breath
  • Elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen
  • Excess fluid
  • Due to their propensity for developing Lyme nephritis, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers require special care.

    The video below shows a Beagle suffering from Lyme disease. It’s heartbreaking to see a dog in this condition, but thankfully his pet parent took him to the doctor so he could receive the care he required. You can get a better understanding of a dog with Lyme disease from this video.

    Who Is at Risk of Lyme Disease?

    Lyme disease poses a risk to humans, dogs, cats, cattle, and horses, though less frequently. Given that ticks are frequently found in grassy, sandy, and wooded areas, it can be challenging to avoid them. The tick typically needs to be attached to the animal for 24 to 48 hours in order to spread the disease.

    Lyme disease has been registered in every US state but the risk of infection varies. In fact, most of the cases (more than 95%) are from the Pacific coast, the Upper Midwest, and the Northeast. However, recently, the disease has become increasingly prevalent in regions once thought to be low-risk, including states like Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, North Dakota, and Michigan.

    Babesiosis and anaplasmosis are two less prevalent bacterial diseases that can affect dogs that are transmitted by ticks. Numerous symptoms of babesiosis include high fever, dark urine, and severe shock. Anaplasmosis symptoms frequently resemble those of Lyme disease. A veterinarian uses blood tests similar to those used to diagnose Lyme disease to determine the presence of both diseases.

    How long can you have Lyme disease without knowing?

    Symptoms. In most cases, late Lyme disease appears 6–36 months after the initial infectious tick bite. Late Lyme disease symptoms are different from those in the earlier stages. In North America, joint pain and swelling is very common.

    FAQ

    How much is Lyme disease treatment for a dog?

    A four-week course of antibiotics might cost around $800, plus additional fees for the veterinarian’s consultation and the cost of the diagnostic blood tests, which can range from $80 to $200. For many dog owners, the price of your dog’s prescription medications can be prohibitive.

    How much does the Lyme vaccine for dogs cost?

    Although the cost of the Lyme vaccine varies by veterinary clinic, it usually ranges from $20 to $40 per shot. Before scheduling an appointment, you can call your local veterinary clinic to find out the exact price.

    How long can my dog live with Lyme disease?

    A canine with Lyme disease can lead a long and fulfilling life. After treatment, relapses are quite common. To ensure that symptoms aren’t reoccurring, it’s imperative that you have your dog regularly examined (and possibly retested) by a veterinarian.

    Can my dog be cured of Lyme disease?

    Despite the fact that canine Lyme disease is treatable, Lyme disease in people frequently results in chronic symptoms like joint pain.